Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks while working with a patient.
ABA Therapist Interview Questions
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1.
When you suffer a setback with a patient, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback I will take a few moments to debrief and discuss what I could have done differently, with a more seasoned behavioral therapist in the office. Then, I move forward with new treatment methods."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"If I were to experience a significant setback with a patient, I think that would be really difficult because you are so invested in your patients' progress. I would have to reassess my plan and then try, try again! Giving up is never an option."
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2.
How do you deal in uncomfortable situations?
Often, our work environment holds the possibility for awkward or tense situations. It can be difficult to know how to respond when you have a coworker who is moody, or when your coworker lacks social skills and constantly asks inappropriate questions. The interviewer wants to know that you can keep your cool in situations like these.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I have had my share of awkward situations, and having raised 2 kids, I am no stranger to them! In the workplace, if an uncomfortable situation arises I tend to face the issue head on, but in a tactful way. Sweeping things under the rug rarely helps. I have no problem being open with my team or colleagues if I am not feeling comfortable in a particular situation."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I try to avoid conflict, but I have a high tolerance for discomfort. I've learned to try to let the people in question sort it out, but have no problem rolling up my sleeves and diving in to help mediate the problem."
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3.
What are the types of differential reinforcement techniques?
Rewarding the desired behavior and ignoring the negative behavior is one of your go-to's as an ABA Therapist. The interviewer is looking for the textbook answer to this question but be sure to have an example in your back pocket if they want to know more.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"The four different types of differential reinforcement are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, alternative behavior, other behavior and differential reinforcement of low rates. I've found that encouraging teachers to use differential reinforcement of alternative behavior works best within the classroom setting."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"Great question! The four different types of differential reinforcement are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, alternative behavior, other behavior and differential reinforcement of low rates. I have used all 4 methods with a variety of students throughout my career; however, I tend to use alternative behavior reinforcement most often."
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4.
What do you like most about your current position?
As an ABA Therapist, what makes you want to go to work each day? Perhaps it is the team that you are a part of or, the excitement of a new case every day. Relay to the interviewer what you like best about your current role. Even if you need to dig deep, you should come up with something positive about your current position.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"In my current position, I work with a team of very talented therapists. I look forward to meeting the team here and building exciting new working relationships."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"The thing that I enjoy most about my current position is that I learn something new every day; whether from a patient or a fellow co-worker. I enjoy learning new skills, tools, and ways to treat my patients. I am very much looking forward to doing the same with your organization."
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5.
When have you had difficulty with a parent? How did you handle the situation?
Having a parent that isn't on the same page as you, when it comes to therapy methods, can be detrimental to treating your patient. Talk about a time that you've sat down with the parents of a patient to teach them at-home techniques. Let the interviewer know that you were able to handle the situation by acknowledging that they were frustrated and that you could help with the communication gap by teaching them a few tools of their own.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Last week a team of medical professionals and I delivered a tough diagnosis to a first-time parent. We provided clear, concise and correct information and provided our support as well as local resources to support the family."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"If I were to have difficulty with a parent, I would sit them down and discuss why they were feeling the way they were. It can be difficult to react properly, all the time, when your kids are suffering from a disorder. I would empathize with them as much as possible and assure the parents that their children were in good hands."
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6.
Tell me about a time that a patient's behavior confused you, or didn't make sense. What did you do?
There will always be that one case that makes you scratch your head, and it will challenge what you thought you knew as an ABA Therapist. Let the interviewer know you are up for the challenge! Discuss a specific situation without breaking any confidentiality barriers.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I recall one specific situation where my patient continued covering her ears and screaming as though she were in pain. This didn't happen all of the time which made me believe that the behavior was related to sound sensitivity, but not entirely responsible for it. I used a variety of tools to break down what was happening and found that she was, in fact, very sensitive to particular pitches and not others. There have been times that I've left a session scratching my head, and that was one of them. I regularly consult with my fellow coworkers on situations where I need a second opinion. Sessions that leave me thinking are the best ones because they push me to dig deeper for answers."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"While completing my practicum hours, I came across a lot of patient behavior that I was not familiar with through my classroom education, alone. These situations were often surrounding eating and behaviors around food. I observed the ABA Therapists' methods and made notes after each session so that I could prepare if I were to come across similar behavior in my career."
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7.
Tell me about your experience creating behavior intervention plans for autistic children.
As an ABA Therapist, you know that following a behavior intervention plan can help eliminate or reduce difficult behaviors. You will be a part of a team of medical providers and education specialists who come up with a plan to reduce frustration and risk for all family members. You'll implement a plan to help them communicate their wants and needs in more appropriate ways. Talk to the interviewer about the extent of your experience.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Although I have not personally created a behavior intervention plan from scratch, I do fully understand the components that go into the creation of a successful plan. These include the individuals personal information, a description of their behaviors, suggested replacement behaviors, a plan for the elimination of triggers, teaching strategies, a list of positive and negative consequences, and a time frame for the plan."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"While completing my Behavioral Analyst education, I created a sample behavior intervention plan for my final project. I brought it with me for you to review, if you have time."
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8.
What is your greatest weakness as an ABA Therapist?
Strength and weakness questions are the most challenging interview questions for anyone, so do not fret! Choose a weakness that can be improved upon but is not vital to your success as an ABA Therapist. Let the interviewer know you've identified this weakness and that you are working on improving this shortcoming.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"My greatest weakness is that I am an introverted person by nature. The result is that I have a difficult time speaking up in large groups. I'm most comfortable working one on one, or in smaller groups, with my patients."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"At this point in my career, I would say that my greatest weakness lies in my lack of experience. I have completed my practicum hours and know that I am ready; however, it will take good career tenure to truly show that I have what it takes to make an impact as an ABA Therapist."
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9.
How do you deal with work stress?
ABA Therapy can be an emotionally draining job. How do you get away from it all and relax? Perhaps you practice yoga, go to the gym, have a steam room, or go to the beach on the weekends. Avoid saying that you don't have any work related stress because, we all do, to varying degrees. Instead, tell the interviewer that you welcome and thrive on a little bit of work stress. Work stress can motivate us and make our day more interesting.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline with my treatment plans is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"Stress is part of any demanding job and I will embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself personally and have learned how to prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
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10.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
When an interviewer asks an open ended question like this, it can be difficult to know where to begin...and end! This question haunts many individuals who may accidentally go a little too in depth into their personal lives. It happens. Keep your reply light, and work relevant. Share how you became interested in this career path and what you enjoy about it. This is a great opportunity to describe yourself by discussing the strengths and qualities that you bring.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I am a competitive individual who is driven and likes to win. In addition to my successful career in behavioral therapy, I also spend time playing competitive sports. I give back by volunteering at the local animal shelter and working for a variety of annual fundraisers in our community."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I am a very active individual who loves to workout and go to the mountains on the weekend. I feel that my level of activity on my off time greatly improves my concentration during the week. I have a high amount of energy to offer my patients."
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11.
What are the four basic schedules of reinforcement?
As an ABA Therapist, you know that the four basic schedules of reinforcement refer to the frequency with which a patient receives reinforcement (or a reward) for performing the desired behavior. You can go ahead and answer this question in textbook fashion but have an example handy just in case the interviewer wants you to go into your answer just a bit more.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"The four basic schedules of reinforcement are Fixed-Ratio Schedule, Fixed Interval Schedule, Variable-Ratio schedule and Variable-Interval schedule. I like to use a fixed ratio schedule when working with my patients. Last week I rewarded a patient with a sticker every 3 times they tied their shoes correctly."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"From my understanding, the four basic schedules of reinforcement are Fixed-Ratio Schedule, Fixed Interval Schedule, Variable-Ratio schedule and Variable-Interval schedule. I plan to try using all 4 methods with most patients. I am sure that once I become more experienced, I will learn which methods work best for which patients."
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12.
What questions do you have for us?
Now is your time to get answers to your questions that have come up based on your grueling interview. Steer clear of salary, benefit and other questions that might make you sound pushy or that you are trying to negotiate the terms of a job that hasn't been offered to you yet. Take this time to clarify questions of what hours you will be working, what type of patients they see most of and why the interviewer enjoys working for this hospital or facility.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? In addition, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Rachelle's Answer #2
"Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the facility's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
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13.
What is one skill you would like to improve upon?
In this situation, the famous 'what is a weakness' question has been re-worded. The interviewer wants to know what skills you have and which ones you are working to improve upon.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Public speaking has always been a weakness of mine. I've asked my current supervisor to keep me in mind whenever there is an opportunity to address a group of people so I can work on making this one of my strengths."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"My handwriting is horrible. When it comes times to transcribe my notes from a session, sometimes I find it difficult to read. Reminding myself that it isn't a race, and that it will be easier if I take a few extra minutes to take notes, has helped me to improve."
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14.
What are your salary expectations?
The compensation question can be very difficult to answer. It's always best to start with what you are currently earning and then discuss what your future compensation goals look like. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"After researching the area, the salary range looks to be between $50k and $60k per year. As a new ABA Therapist, I'm hoping to start around $50k."
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15.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle an environment that offers diversity.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"In my current role, I work alongside cross functional teams regularly. There has been a lot of diversity during my time in University, and my practicum as well. I fully embrace diversity."
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16.
Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.
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17.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
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18.
Would you be willing to travel to various centers, schools, etc?
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19.
Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you contributed to.
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20.
Why did you choose a career as an ABA Therapist?
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21.
When have you worked independently before? What challenges do you find when working independently?
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22.
What feeding therapy techniques have you used with your patients?
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23.
Do you have experience with one-on-one patient sessions?
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24.
What actions do you take to demonstrate care for your patients?
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25.
Explain to me what HIPAA is, and how that affects your job as an ABA Therapist.
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26.
What is your greatest strength as an ABA Therapist?
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27.
When you notice a child with aggressive behavior toward others, what type of intervention do you perform?
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28.
What type of certification do you have? Are there any additional certifications you are looking to obtain in the future?
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29.
What experience do you have working with children on the autism spectrum?
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30.
Do you have any volunteer experience related to working with children?
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